Herb Hager - W9LWD 

Herbert “Herb” Hager, longtime amateur radio operator and dedicated member of the ham radio community, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids at the age of 91.

Herb earned his Amateur Radio License in 1950 at just 16 years old and proudly maintained his license for the remainder of his life — more than 75 years on the air. Amateur radio was one of Herb’s lifelong passions, and he remained active in the hobby until his final days. In fact, he was able to participate in the weekly ham radio call-in from the hospital just days before his passing.

Born May 8, 1934, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Herb was the fifth of seven children born to Henry and Mary (Zinthefer) Hager. He married Anita Burr on June 30, 1956, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 64 years until Anita’s passing in 2020.

Herb served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1951 to 1955. He worked for Montgomery Ward for 33 years across four states before later owning and operating Hager’s Appliance Service for more than 25 years.

In retirement, Herb and Anita traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoying cruises and visits to many countries across four continents. They especially loved New Zealand, Norway, and Alaska. Herb also enjoyed polka music and traveling with their many polka friends.

Herb is survived by his five children, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, his brother Donald, and many nieces and nephews. His grandchildren affectionately knew him as “Grandpa Pockets” because he always carried candy treats in his shirt pocket for them.

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:00–10:45 a.m., with special memorials and music beginning at 10:45 a.m. prior to Mass. Military honors and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends its condolences to Herb’s family and friends. Herb’s many years of friendship, fellowship, and dedication to amateur radio will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Michael “Mike” P. Matthews, KC9LHB, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 63.

Mike was a proud and active Amateur Radio Operator who held an Amateur Extra class license and was well known to many throughout the ham radio community. Radio was a lifelong passion that began in his youth while listening to shortwave broadcasts and teaching himself Morse code. Over the years, Mike checked in daily with numerous amateur radio groups, built friendships with operators around the world, and greatly enjoyed helping others through the hobby. One of his proudest accomplishments was making radio contact with the International Space Station.

Born April 13, 1962, in Wisconsin Rapids to Lawrence and Colette (Pazurek) Matthews, Mike graduated from Lincoln High School in 1981. Throughout his life he worked in a variety of occupations and developed a reputation as someone who could fix, build, or create almost anything. He spent many years in food service, including work at The Mead Inn and Grandma’s USA Cafe, and also worked in the meat department at his local IGA. Mike especially enjoyed cooking for family and friends and catered several family gatherings over the years.

Mike had many talents and hobbies, including wood carving, carpentry, drawing, gardening, fishing, and golfing. Those who knew him appreciated his creativity, technical ability, generosity, and willingness to help others.

Mike was also an organ and tissue donor, allowing his generosity to continue helping others even after his passing.

He is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Colette Matthews; siblings Jennifer, Andrew, Margaret, Anne, and Mary; many extended family members; and his companion of more than 34 years, Lynne Kedrowski.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends sincere condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and fellow operators. Mike will be remembered for his friendship, daily presence on the air, technical knowledge, and his genuine love for amateur radio and the people connected through it.

Arthur R. Wysocki, N9BCA, passed away on December 13, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born on May 16, 1936, to Fabyan John and Otillia Rose (Derezinski) Wysocki, Arthur lived a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and amateur radio. A dedicated ham radio operator for many years, Arthur was well known throughout the amateur radio community and proudly served as president of his local radio club. He was also active in emergency communications, always willing to use his skills to assist others when needed.

Amateur radio was one of Arthur’s greatest passions. Whether checking in with fellow operators, supporting communications efforts, or gathering for breakfast with ham radio friends, he greatly valued the friendships and fellowship the hobby provided. Under the call sign N9BCA, Arthur became a familiar and respected voice to many operators throughout the area.

Arthur enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests throughout his life, including playing the dobro lap instrument, bowling, puzzles, cutting wood, painting fishing jigs, boating, hunting, and shooting black powder guns. He worked at Consolidated Papers in the wood room and attended Mid-State Technical College. He was also a proud graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School.

On July 30, 1960, Arthur married the love of his life, Lucy Wysocki. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family traditions. One of Arthur’s favorite traditions was gathering with family on their anniversary and enjoying rides aboard the Chief Waupaca boat.

Arthur’s Catholic faith remained an important part of his life and provided him strength and comfort through the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife Lucy; stepchildren Lawrence Kizewski and Lorraine Jacobs; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; as well as brothers Frank and John Wysocki. He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, and stepdaughter Roxane Kizewski.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends heartfelt condolences to Arthur’s family and friends. Arthur will be remembered for his kindness, friendship, service to the amateur radio community, and the passion he shared with fellow operators throughout his many years on the air.

Donald “Donnie” Nash Williamson, KB9KFA, founding member of the Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the age of 88.

A familiar voice and valued friend within the amateur radio community, Donnie was proud to help establish the Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group and remained active with fellow operators throughout the years. Ham radio provided Donnie with lasting friendships, fellowship, and many enjoyable gatherings with his radio friends. He especially enjoyed meeting with fellow operators, sharing stories, and spending time with the people who became like family through the hobby.

Born December 1, 1934, in Wisconsin Rapids, Donnie was the son of Fredrick and Lucille (Nash) Williamson. A graduate of Lincoln High School’s Class of 1952, he attended St. Norbert College and UW–Stevens Point before joining the United States Air Force in 1955.

During his distinguished 22-year military career, Donnie served in numerous locations across the United States and abroad. His assignments included work on C-121 “Super Connie” aircraft and later highly specialized service with the United States Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), monitoring global nuclear treaty compliance. His military service took him to Massachusetts, Alaska, Colorado, California, Texas, the Fiji Islands, and temporary assignments throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He retired from the Air Force in 1977 as a Master Sergeant.

After returning home to Wisconsin Rapids, Donnie worked for Ore-Ida Foods for 18 years before retiring again in 1997. In retirement, he and his beloved wife Gail enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motorhome and spending winters in warmer climates with close friends.

Donnie was known as a man of strong faith, honor, principles, and devotion to family. He served as an usher at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church for many years and enjoyed classic car shows, dinners with friends, and time spent with fellow amateur radio operators — often accompanied by a little “Dr. Jim,” as his friends would fondly say.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Gail Marie Williamson, and his brother John Williamson. He is survived by his children Donald “Willie” Williamson, Michael Williamson, and Kelley Molitor; grandchildren and great-granddaughter; his sister Joan Johnson; and many extended family members and close friends.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends heartfelt condolences to Donnie’s family and friends. Donnie will long be remembered for his friendship, service to his country, dedication to amateur radio, and the lasting impact he made as a founding member of the club and a respected voice on the air.

Vance Richard Elzinga passed into his eternal home on January 15, 2021, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was 62 years old.

Vance was well known and deeply respected by many in the amateur radio community. First licensed as a ham radio operator at the age of 14 alongside his father, Douglas Elzinga, amateur radio remained a lifelong passion and interest. Gifted with an exceptional technical mind and a love for learning, Vance thoroughly enjoyed electronics, communications, and innovation. In recent years, he renewed his involvement in amateur radio and proudly earned his Amateur Extra Class license by achieving a perfect score on the 50-question examination.

Vance especially cherished the friendships he formed through amateur radio in Wisconsin and was known as an encourager, mentor, and friend to many operators. Combining his engineering background with creativity and practical skill, he even designed and built a Morse code paddle for backpackers using his 3D printer.

Born November 23, 1958, to Douglas and Judy (Wilson) Elzinga, Vance grew up in Zeeland, Michigan, graduating from Zeeland High School before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Lake Superior State University. Feeling called into ministry, he later attended Reformed Bible College and Western Theological Seminary, dedicating his life to serving God and others.

Throughout his ministry, Vance faithfully served congregations in Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, most recently at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids. He was known for his wisdom, compassion, pastoral care, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. In addition to his pastoral work, Vance served in numerous ministries and outreach programs, including youth camps, mission trips, Cursillo prison ministry, firefighter chaplaincy, and technical support for various organizations.

Vance also enjoyed music, playing guitar, leading worship, woodworking, bicycling, kayaking, jet skiing, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie; six children; several grandchildren; foster children whom he loved dearly; his mother Judy; siblings and extended family; and countless friends and members of the communities he faithfully served.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends heartfelt sympathy to Vance’s family and loved ones. Vance will be remembered not only for his technical knowledge and enthusiasm for amateur radio, but also for his kindness, encouragement, faith, and the genuine care he showed to everyone he encountered.

Thomas “Tom” Sowatzke, affectionately known to many as “Buppa,” passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the age of 60.

Tom was a longtime amateur radio operator who greatly enjoyed talking on the radio with friends and especially with his son, Jake. Amateur radio was one of the many ways Tom stayed connected with the people and community he cared deeply about. Fellow operators knew him as friendly, dependable, and always ready for a conversation or a laugh.

Born August 30, 1961, in Wisconsin Rapids to Donald Sowatzke and Virginia Lang, Tom graduated from Assumption High School in 1979 and later attended Mid-State Technical College for firefighter training. His dedication to serving others became a defining part of his life.

Tom proudly served his community for 16 years as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Nekoosa Fire Department, retiring as a lieutenant in December 2020. He also volunteered as a first responder for the Town of Port Edwards. Alongside his public service, Tom worked for many years as a warehouse operator for Nekoosa Coated Products.

On January 24, 1987, Tom married Debra Dhein at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stevens Point. Together they built a loving family centered around faith, hard work, and time spent together.

Tom enjoyed life’s simple pleasures — tending to his hobby farm, fishing, four-wheeling, and spending time outdoors. He was known for his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his deep dedication to the community he loved.

He is survived by his wife Debra; sons Tyler and Jake; grandchildren Avery and Hudson; sisters Donna, Deb, and Karla; and his beloved dogs Graycie and Penny. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Roy Repta, and brother John Repta.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends sincere condolences to Tom’s family and friends. Tom will be remembered for his friendship, service, humor, and the many conversations shared over the airwaves throughout the years.

Michael “Mike” D. Hoier, KA9PSL, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018, at the age of 65.

Mike was a dedicated amateur radio operator and longtime member of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), where he was known by his call sign KA9PSL. Through amateur radio, Mike combined his passion for communications with his commitment to public service and helping others. Fellow operators knew him as dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to assist when needed.

Born September 15, 1953, in Wisconsin, Mike attended Regis High School in Eau Claire and later studied communications at technical school. His interest in communications and public safety remained a central part of his life for many years.

Mike worked as a security guard, most recently at Reedsburg Hospital, and also proudly served his local community as a dispatcher for the Grand Rapids Fire Department and as a member of the Grand Rapids Police Auxiliary for the past ten years.

In addition to his public service, Mike was deeply involved at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, where he operated and managed the church’s audio/visual program for several years. He also enjoyed assisting his wife Debra with computer and IT work at the Aquarium Pet Shop in Wisconsin Rapids.

Mike had many interests and hobbies, including amateur radio, computers, communications technology, shooting sports as a member of the Wood County Rifle Club, and caring for the many pets he enjoyed throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Debra; stepdaughter Sarajean Brown and granddaughter Vada Laskowski; and his sister through adoption, Deb Stone. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents.

The Heart of Wisconsin Amateur Radio Group extends heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Mike will be remembered for his service, technical knowledge, dedication to amateur radio emergency communications, and the friendships he shared with fellow operators throughout the years.